Neighborhood Profile: Highland Park West-Balcones Area
Where is the Highland Park West-Balcones Area (HPWBA)? HPWBA is the geographic area bordered on the north by 2222, on the south by 35th Street, on the west by Mt Bonnell Road, and on the east by Mo-Pac and by Bull Creek Road between Hancock Road and 45th Street. Mo-Pac runs through the eastern portion of this area for approximately two miles. This neighborhood area contains approximately 1,750 residences.
What is HPWBA? Is a vibrant West Austin community of predominantly professionals Highland Park Elementary School, Perry Park, Camp Mabry, Bright Leaf Nature Preserve and over 150 Businesses
Parks in HPWBA
Bright Leaf State Natural Area:
Bright Leaf is a wonderful 217 acre area of natural land that resides within the neighborhood boundaries. It was donated to the State of Texas by Georgia Lucas in 1995. Her will stipulates that the area should remain in a minimally developed state. Her residence remains there as the Lucas Conference Center, along with many trails. Check out the Bright Leaf Website for more specific information about the area. Texas Park and Wildlife is in the process of transferring the preserve back to the Austin Community Foundation.
The Friends of Bright Leaf organization is a very active local group of volunteers dedicated to conserving and enhancing Bright Leaf. They coordinate many events, provide educational information and provide a great way to get involved and enjoy the area. The created and support the Bright Leaf website where information on events and access can be found.
Access: Docents lead regular guided hikes on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month and there are frequent activities coordinated Friends of Bright Leaf. Check out their website to get involved.
http://www.brightleaf.org/
Mayfield Park
This park is located on 3505 W 35th Street, next to Laguna Gloria. It is a wonderful 23 acre park and preserve which includes the Mayfield-Gutsch House and Gardens. It is named after Allison Mayfield who purchased the property in 1901. Allison Mayfield was the Texas Secretary of State (1894-1896) and then the Texas Railroad Commissioner (1896-1922).
The beautiful park is open to the public and is home to numerous peacocks that roam the grounds and sit in the trees. There are also five large lily ponds and many small gardens tended by individuals and families. Trails are available to walk the grounds to easily explore the native plants and trees. Picnic tables are also available. Note that dogs are not allowed in this park.
http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/HikeDetails.aspx?HikeID=16
Laguna Gloria
Laguna Gloria is a member of the Austin Museum Partnership and is the original home of the Austin Museum of Art. Is it located on W 35th street and so is very easy to get to from our neighborhood. There is a lot of history there and the area is enjoyed by many residents.
You can tour the historic home of Clara Driscoll who built the Italian style Driscoll Villa in 1916. The Villa was recently renovated and houses various art exhibits. There are 12 acres of grounds containing wonderful gardens and outdoor sculpture. Many events are held here, both public and private. It is also home to the Art School where over 400 classes of various topics are offered to both adults and children.
http://www.amoa.org/
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is very popular city attraction very close to our neighborhood area. It is over 780 feet high and is famous for its panoramic views. Here you can see areas of Austin, the Loop 360 Bridge, Lake Austin and Cat Mountain.
The highest point is a short hike from the road either by steps (just over 100 steps) or a stone pathway. Take a picnic and explore this great area. Be sure to lock you car!
There is no entrance fee and a curfew exists (from 9pm to 4 am - note signs). The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and volunteers care for the area.
http://austin.about.com/cs/tours/l/blvt_a_mbonnell.htm
Local Businesses
Where is the Highland Park West-Balcones Area (HPWBA)? HPWBA is the geographic area bordered on the north by 2222, on the south by 35th Street, on the west by Mt Bonnell Road, and on the east by Mo-Pac and by Bull Creek Road between Hancock Road and 45th Street. Mo-Pac runs through the eastern portion of this area for approximately two miles. This neighborhood area contains approximately 1,750 residences.
What is HPWBA? Is a vibrant West Austin community of predominantly professionals Highland Park Elementary School, Perry Park, Camp Mabry, Bright Leaf Nature Preserve and over 150 Businesses
Parks in HPWBA
Bright Leaf State Natural Area:
Bright Leaf is a wonderful 217 acre area of natural land that resides within the neighborhood boundaries. It was donated to the State of Texas by Georgia Lucas in 1995. Her will stipulates that the area should remain in a minimally developed state. Her residence remains there as the Lucas Conference Center, along with many trails. Check out the Bright Leaf Website for more specific information about the area. Texas Park and Wildlife is in the process of transferring the preserve back to the Austin Community Foundation.
The Friends of Bright Leaf organization is a very active local group of volunteers dedicated to conserving and enhancing Bright Leaf. They coordinate many events, provide educational information and provide a great way to get involved and enjoy the area. The created and support the Bright Leaf website where information on events and access can be found.
Access: Docents lead regular guided hikes on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month and there are frequent activities coordinated Friends of Bright Leaf. Check out their website to get involved.
http://www.brightleaf.org/
Mayfield Park
This park is located on 3505 W 35th Street, next to Laguna Gloria. It is a wonderful 23 acre park and preserve which includes the Mayfield-Gutsch House and Gardens. It is named after Allison Mayfield who purchased the property in 1901. Allison Mayfield was the Texas Secretary of State (1894-1896) and then the Texas Railroad Commissioner (1896-1922).
The beautiful park is open to the public and is home to numerous peacocks that roam the grounds and sit in the trees. There are also five large lily ponds and many small gardens tended by individuals and families. Trails are available to walk the grounds to easily explore the native plants and trees. Picnic tables are also available. Note that dogs are not allowed in this park.
http://www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/HikeDetails.aspx?HikeID=16
Laguna Gloria
Laguna Gloria is a member of the Austin Museum Partnership and is the original home of the Austin Museum of Art. Is it located on W 35th street and so is very easy to get to from our neighborhood. There is a lot of history there and the area is enjoyed by many residents.
You can tour the historic home of Clara Driscoll who built the Italian style Driscoll Villa in 1916. The Villa was recently renovated and houses various art exhibits. There are 12 acres of grounds containing wonderful gardens and outdoor sculpture. Many events are held here, both public and private. It is also home to the Art School where over 400 classes of various topics are offered to both adults and children.
http://www.amoa.org/
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is very popular city attraction very close to our neighborhood area. It is over 780 feet high and is famous for its panoramic views. Here you can see areas of Austin, the Loop 360 Bridge, Lake Austin and Cat Mountain.
The highest point is a short hike from the road either by steps (just over 100 steps) or a stone pathway. Take a picnic and explore this great area. Be sure to lock you car!
There is no entrance fee and a curfew exists (from 9pm to 4 am - note signs). The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and volunteers care for the area.
http://austin.about.com/cs/tours/l/blvt_a_mbonnell.htm
Local Businesses
Restaurants- Chez Zee http://www.chez-zee.com/ , Fonda San Miguel http://www.fondasanmiguel.com/ , Peony Asian Cuisine, Craig-O’s Pizza, Tino’s Greek Café, Subway, Austin’s Greek Deli http://www.austingreekdeli.com/ , Russell’s Bakery http://www.russellsbakery.com/ and Dry Creek Café.
Businesses- Randall’s Grocery, Starbucks, Twin Liquors, , Westwood Country Club http://www.westwoodcc.com/ and Personally Yours.
Organizations- The Junior League of Austin http://www.jlaustin.org/ , Boy Scout Troop 410 www.main.org/troop410
In an upcoming post I will dissect the HPWBA real estate market.
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